A 34-year-old teacher is in police custody for allegedly engaging in aggravated human trafficking, involving 45 victims whom she lured with promises of jobs and bursaries.
Jessica Nakayima, a resident of Kazinga Zone, Kyebando Ward in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, was apprehended on Thursday in Kikooba Village, Bukomero Sub County, Kiboga District, where she was found with the victims—32 juveniles and 13 adults. Among them, at least 31 were girls and women aged between three and 34 years.
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According to preliminary investigations, Nakayima hired a Coaster Rosa minibus, registration number UAW 850A, from Alex Muwanika, who also served as her driver. On February 5, 2025, at around 4 p.m., she reportedly moved around Kazinga, Kyebando, and Nansana in Wakiso District, collecting individuals from their parents and workplaces under the pretense of securing them educational bursaries and employment opportunities.
“The promised jobs included positions as teachers, matrons, cleaners, and security guards. However, instead of taking them to the intended locations, she diverted them elsewhere,” Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Rachel Kawala, stated.
Initially, Nakayima claimed she was transporting the victims to born-again-affiliated schools in Namayumba and Kakiri. However, upon reaching Namayumba, she instructed the driver to continue driving without revealing the final destination. The group eventually arrived at Good Samaritan Primary School in Kikooba Village, Bukomero Sub County, Kiboga District, at around 2 a.m. The school, owned by Apostle Mitala Amon, had no prior knowledge of their arrival.
By Thursday morning, the victims, who had spent the night in the vehicle, remained unaware of their final destination. Concerned by their unexpected presence, the school’s head teacher immediately informed the local LCI chairperson, who then alerted the police. A task force led by the Kiboga District Police Commander (DPC) responded to the scene, recorded statements, and launched an investigation.
Nakayima was arrested and is currently detained at Kiboga Police Station. Authorities are now working to reunite the victims with their families while continuing to investigate the motive behind her actions.
“We are actively pursuing this case to establish the suspect’s true intentions,” SP Kawala confirmed.
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